Medium humanoid (goblinoid), lawful evil
Armor Class 18 (Chain Mail, Shield)
Hit Points 11 (2d8+2)
Speed 30 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +2
Proficiency Bonus +2 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 10 (+0) | 9 (-1) |
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Goblin
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Martial Advantage. Once per turn, the hobgoblin can deal an extra 7 (2d6) damage to a creature it hits with a weapon attack if that creature is within 5 ft. of an ally of the hobgoblin that isn’t incapacitated.
ACTIONS
- Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) slashing damage (one handed) or 7 (1d10 + 2) slashing damage (two handed)
- Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it
DESCRIPTION
Hobgoblins are a type of goblinoid, a race of humanoid creatures that share a common ancestry with goblins and bugbears. Hobgoblins are larger and more muscular than goblins, but smaller and less brutish than bugbears. They have dark orange or red-orange skin, and hair ranging from dark red-brown to black. Their eyes are usually yellow or red, and their teeth are sharp and pointed. Hobgoblins have a strong sense of discipline and hierarchy, and value martial prowess and cunning above all else. They are often found in well-organized armies or warbands, led by powerful warlords or captains. Hobgoblins are ruthless and pragmatic in combat, using tactics and strategies to gain an advantage over their enemies. They have no qualms about enslaving or exploiting other races, especially those they consider weak or inferior.
COMBAT
Hobgoblins are skilled and versatile warriors, proficient with a variety of weapons and armor. They prefer to wear chain mail and shields, which give them a high degree of protection. They often wield longswords, battleaxes, or war picks, which they use with great strength and precision. Some hobgoblins also carry longbows, which they use to harass or snipe at their foes from a distance. Hobgoblins are not afraid to fight in close quarters, and will use their martial advantage to deal extra damage to enemies that are surrounded by their allies. Hobgoblins are also adept at using traps, ambushes, flanking maneuvers, and other tricks to surprise and overwhelm their opponents. Hobgoblins are loyal to their leaders and comrades, and will fight to the death if ordered to do so.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
Hobgoblins are nomadic and warlike, constantly seeking new lands to conquer and plunder. They live in camps or fortresses, which they build or take over from other races. Hobgoblins are highly organized and disciplined, following a strict code of conduct and obeying the commands of their superiors. Hobgoblins have a rigid social structure, based on rank and merit. The highest rank is the warlord, who commands the entire army or tribe. Below the warlord are the captains, who lead smaller units or squads. The lowest rank is the fist, who is a common soldier or grunt. Hobgoblins respect strength and skill, and will challenge or overthrow their leaders if they prove to be weak or incompetent. Hobgoblins have a harsh and brutal culture, where violence and cruelty are common. Hobgoblins have little regard for art, religion, or morality, caring only about war and conquest.
ECOLOGY
Hobgoblins are carnivorous and predatory, hunting and eating any animal or creature they can catch. They also raid farms and villages for food and resources, taking slaves or prisoners as well. Hobgoblins have a fast metabolism and a high endurance, allowing them to march and fight for long periods of time without rest or fatigue. Hobgoblins reproduce sexually, producing offspring that inherit their traits and abilities. Hobgoblins mature quickly, reaching adulthood by the age of 14. Hobgoblins have a short lifespan, rarely living past 50 years old. Hobgoblins have few natural enemies, as they tend to dominate or exterminate any other race that crosses their path. However, they often clash with other goblinoids, especially bugbears, who resent their authority and arrogance. Hobgoblins also have a long-standing rivalry with elves, who oppose their expansionist and destructive agenda.
The Hobgoblin Legion: A Breakdown of the Goblinoid Army
Hobgoblins are a type of goblinoid, a race of humanoid creatures that share a common ancestry with goblins and bugbears. Hobgoblins are larger and more muscular than goblins, but smaller and less brutish than bugbears. They have dark orange or red-orange skin, and hair ranging from dark red-brown to black. Their eyes are usually yellow or red, and their teeth are sharp and pointed. Hobgoblins have a strong sense of discipline and hierarchy, and value martial prowess and cunning above all else. They are often found in well-organized armies or warbands, led by powerful warlords or captains. Hobgoblins are ruthless and pragmatic in combat, using tactics and strategies to gain an advantage over their enemies. They have no qualms about enslaving or exploiting other races, especially those they consider weak or inferior.
A typical hobgoblin legion consists of 1000 individuals, divided into four main divisions: infantry, cavalry, artillery, and special forces. Each division is led by a sub-chief, who reports to the chief, who in turn reports to the warlord. The warlord is the supreme leader of the legion, who commands the entire army with charisma and cunning. The legion also has various allies and war machines that support its operations and enhance its capabilities.
The following is a detailed breakdown of the different types and numbers of hobgoblin soldiers and allies in the legion:
- Hobgoblin Warlord (1): The supreme leader of the legion, a charismatic and cunning commander who inspires fear and respect among his troops. He wields a magic weapon and wears a magic armor, and has access to some spells. He is usually guarded by a squad of elite hobgoblins or other allies.
- Hobgoblin Chief (5): The second-in-command of the legion, a loyal and capable lieutenant who oversees the daily operations and logistics of the army. He is also a skilled warrior and a master of martial advantage. He reports directly to the warlord and can take over the command if the warlord is absent or incapacitated.
- Hobgoblin Sub-Chief (20): The leaders of the four main divisions of the legion: infantry, cavalry, artillery, and special forces. They are responsible for training, equipping, and deploying their respective units. They are also formidable fighters and tacticians who can coordinate their attacks with their allies. They answer to the chief and the warlord.
- Hobgoblin Captain (80): The officers of the legion, each commanding a squad of 10 hobgoblins or other soldiers. They are experienced and respected veterans who can boost the morale and effectiveness of their subordinates. They are also proficient with various weapons and armor, and can use martial advantage to deal extra damage. They follow the orders of their sub-chiefs, chief, and warlord.
- Hobgoblin (600): The rank-and-file soldiers of the legion, each wearing chain mail and shield, and wielding a longsword or a longbow. They are disciplined and organized warriors who fight in rigid ranks and perfect lockstep. They can use martial advantage to deal extra damage when they have an ally nearby. They obey their captains, sub-chiefs, chief, and warlord without question.
- Hobgoblin Devastator (40): The spellcasters of the legion, each wearing a robe adorned with arcane symbols, and wielding a staff or a wand. They are adept at using destructive evocation spells, such as fireball or lightning bolt, to blast their enemies from afar. They can also use martial advantage to deal extra damage when they have an ally nearby. They are usually assigned to the artillery division.
- Hobgoblin Iron Shadow (40): The stealth operatives of the legion, each wearing a leather armor and a hooded cloak, and wielding a shortsword or a dagger. They are experts at infiltration, assassination, sabotage, and espionage. They can use martial advantage to deal extra damage when they have an ally nearby. They can also use ki to perform various feats, such as stunning strike or shadow step. They are usually assigned to the special forces division.
- Worg (200): The mounts and companions of the legion, each resembling a large wolf with red eyes and black fur. They are ferocious and loyal beasts who can communicate telepathically with their riders or handlers. They can bite their enemies with their sharp teeth, or knock them prone with their pounce attack. They are usually assigned to the cavalry division, or used as scouts or trackers by other units.
- Bugbear (50): The shock troops or elite guards of the legion, each wearing hide armor and wielding a morningstar or a javelin. They are savage and brutal fighters who enjoy crushing their enemies with their strength or their surprise attack. They are often loyal to their hobgoblin leaders, but can also be rebellious or treacherous if they sense weakness or opportunity.
- Goblin (10): The servants and slaves of the legion, each wearing ragged clothes and carrying a sling or a club. They are weak and cowardly creatures who perform menial tasks such as cooking, cleaning, repairing, or carrying supplies for the army. They are often mistreated and abused by their hobgoblin masters, who consider them inferior and expendable.
- Ogre (10): The heavy hitters or siege weapons of the legion, each wearing a loincloth and wielding a greatclub or a rock. They are powerful and resilient fighters who can smash their enemies with their brute force or their hurl attack. They are often hired or coerced by the hobgoblins, who provide them with food and loot in exchange for their services.
- Ballista (4): The large crossbows of the legion, each mounted on a wheeled platform that can be moved by a team of hobgoblins or worgs. They fire massive bolts that can pierce through armor or walls. They are operated by a crew of two or three hobgoblins, one to aim and fire, and the others to load and reload. They are used to attack enemy fortifications or large creatures from a safe distance.
- Catapult (4): The devices that launch projectiles of the legion, each mounted on a wooden frame that can be assembled or disassembled by a team of hobgoblins or goblins. They launch rocks, barrels, or firebombs over a long range. They are operated by a crew of four or five hobgoblins, one to aim and release, and the others to load and crank. They are used to bombard enemy positions or cause chaos and destruction among their ranks.
- War Wagon (4): The large wagons that are reinforced with metal plates and spikes, and equipped with weapons such as crossbows, spears, or blades. They are pulled by a team of worgs or ogres, and driven by a hobgoblin captain or sub-chief. They are manned by a crew of six to eight hobgoblins, who can fire from the windows or deploy from the doors. They are used to break through enemy lines or transport troops and supplies across the battlefield.
The total number of individuals in this reorganized hobgoblin legion is 1059: 1 warlord + 5 chiefs + 20 sub-chiefs + 80 captains + 600 hobgoblins + 40 devastators + 40 iron shadows + 200 worgs + 50 bugbears + 10 goblins + 10 ogres + 4 ballistas + 4 catapults + 4 war wagons.